The missteps of former French Minister Noëlle Lenoir continue to provoke reactions among the Algerian diaspora, but also within public opinion. This affair seems to be gaining momentum due to its seriousness, but especially due to her insulting, hateful, and racist words against Algerian nationals.
These shocking remarks are described as a genuine collective stigmatization of Algerians. They come at a time when the crisis between Algiers and Paris has taken a new turn, following the anti-Algerian instructions of President Emmanuel Macron to his government to take retaliatory measures.
A collective of citizens, composed of researchers, intellectuals, scientists, academics, and association activists, has rebuked the former Minister for European Affairs between 2002 and 2004 for her hateful and racist remarks made a week ago on the far-right-affiliated channel CNews. In an open letter, published last Wednesday, the collective calls for an investigation.
“Equating all Algerian nationals with dangerous individuals, these remarks constitute a collective stigmatization. They are part of a discourse of hatred based on national origin, undermining the dignity and equality of millions of people, in a context where racial discrimination persists in France,” the collective denounces.
“Audiovisual media, under the control of ARCOM, have an obligation not to broadcast content inciting hatred or violence. Sanctions can range from fines to suspension of broadcasting,” it further states in the letter, through which it appeals to the Defender of Rights, the President of ARCOM (Authority for the Regulation of Audiovisual and Digital Communication), and the Public Prosecutor of Paris.
“You have, as Defender of Rights, President of ARCOM, and Public Prosecutor of Paris, the power to take up this type of situation on your own initiative. We know that your institutions have already been seized by associations, elected officials, and/or citizens. We solemnly call on you to take up this matter on your own initiative and to investigate this case at your level, within the framework of your respective prerogatives,” the signatories insist in their letter.
It should be recalled that Noëlle Lenoir, former Minister for European Affairs between 2002 and 2004, accused, on CNews, “millions of Algerians” in France of being potential criminals “capable of representing major risks.”
Noëlle Lenoir, who is also the president of the support committee for Sansal, reacted to the filing of complaints by maintaining her remarks, specifying that one should understand “thousands and not millions of Algerians” and that she was targeting the OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory).
In addition to this petition, other complaints have been quickly filed by environmentalist MP Sabrina Sebaihi, the Algerian Union, and SOS Racisme.
The petition was signed in particular by Fabrice Riceputi, historian, Nacer Kettane, president and founder of Beur FM, Zaïr Kédadouche, senior official, president of the association Intégration France, Olivier Le Cour Grandmaison, academic, Ouchene Ouiza, elected official in Île-Saint-Denis, Christophe Lafaye, Doctor of Contemporary History, Idir Chali, president of the Azrar Association and business leader, Mohand Touazi, economist, Farid Yaker, president of the France-Algeria Forum…